Uber approved for most of Pennsylvania

Some recent fares are making news around the country. A woman was charged more than $300 in Baltimore, and in Denver, a man's Uber fare was more than $500.

Some recent fares are making news around the country. A woman was charged more than $300 in Baltimore, and in Denver, a man's Uber fare was more than $500.

Paul NussbaumOf The Philadelphia Inquirer

Uber coming to Pennsylvania, but don't look for it in Philadelphia

Uber, the controversial ride-sharing service, won approval Thursday to operate in most of Pennsylvania, but not in Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, which regulates taxi and limousine service in every county except Philadelphia, overruled its staff in a split decision, deciding that Uber can operate statewide for two years, if it meets requirements for auto insurance, driver background checks, and financial reporting.

However, the order does not apply to Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Parking Authority regulates taxi service. The PPA has been aggressively opposing UberX service, in which riders electronically summon private drivers in their personal cars.

The decision by the PUC is certain to increase pressure on city and state officials to find a way to legally provide Philadelphia consumers with the same ride-sharing service now authorized for other parts of the state.

The "innovative" ride-sharing service "should be encouraged in a way that is consistent with the [PUC's] mission to both protect the public interest and foster new technologies," PUC chairman Robert F. Powelson said in a statement, joined by commissioner Pamela A. Witmer. The decision will "allow this exciting new business model to thrive in the Commonwealth, while at the same time ensuring that the necessary public protections are in place."

In dissenting in the 4-1 commission vote, commission vice chairman John F. Coleman Jr. said he believed Uber would not follow insurance or safety rules: "I do not believe the applicant will take the necessary steps to ensure its service is safe and reasonable until it is forced to do so by a court of this commonwealth or as a result of legislative action."